As the development of West Slope continues on campus, The Badger has spoken with Matt Kitson. Matt is the Director of Estates, Facilities and Commercial Services at The University of Sussex and has agreed to shed some light on the development of the West Slope accommodations and what it means for students.
On the University website, West Slope is listed as one improvement to the campus; also listed is the removal of RAAC panels, supporting sustainability and upgrades to the West Ring main high-voltage network. Matt commented that “we want students to thrive at Sussex, and providing supportive, inclusive environments throughout their studies is essential. West Slope will create a new student village at the heart of campus, with modern accommodation, a purpose-built Health and Wellbeing Centre, and a range of social and everyday amenities, including dedicated study and recreational areas, alongside space for a new supermarket and cafe.”
There are a few exciting features of the plans that he believes students should know about. “Brand new accommodation will allow more students to live on campus in their first year and beyond, benefitting from term-time and all-inclusive rents, and with teaching, social events and University support on their doorstep.” The Better Campus team aims to phase in these buildings, with 1,899 student bedrooms to be built between 2026 and 2028.
According to the 2024 National Student Accommodation Survey conducted by Save the Student, one in two students reports fears about the student housing shortage. “Adding the West Slope accommodation will mean the University can offer over 6,000 accommodation rooms on campus. In turn, this will allow more students to benefit from all-inclusive rents and term-time contracts, whilst also helping to relieve pressure on local housing”.
“The new Health and Wellbeing Centre will prioritise student wellbeing with a new purpose-built dedicated space. Home to University Wellbeing services and NHS GP services, it will break away from the traditional clinical feel to create a welcoming, accessible, and safe environment.” Currently, the University Medical Centre is located opposite the University Pharmacy and Student Centre.
Also featured in this edition of The Badger is the University’s new Civic University Agreement with the Universities of Brighton and Chichester. Part of this agreement is a new commitment to sustainability. Matt comments that “environmental sustainability is an important feature of West Slope. It will feature a mix of existing trees, which have been protected and incorporated into the development, and new trees, specially selected to support local biodiversity and the landscape.
Planting across the development is inspired by the South Downs National Park and the landscape of West Slope will complement our existing campus, re-establishing the ‘Green Core’ vision of Dame Sylvia Crowe, the original campus landscape architect”. Also, a “new public realm artwork is being commissioned… it will celebrate our commitment to sustainability, community, wellness and the natural world that surrounds us.”
In comparing the new development to what seems the ‘older sister’ project of East Slope, “West Slope accommodation will be very similar to East Slope accommodation in terms of design and layout. It will offer a mixture of ensuite and shared-bathroom single bedroom villas, apartments and townhouses, alongside two-bedroom family apartments, and fully adaptable rooms with carers’ rooms”.
There is a priority on putting “accessibility first – with step-free routes designed with gentle gradients”. Matt adds that “West Slope will make campus more accessible for everyone, with accessible rooms, gentle walkways, outdoor lifts and a new link bridge helping students navigate Sussex’s steep terrain”. Those familiar with the towering steps to East Slope will be familiar with the daunting challenge! Overall, the hope is to “create a more inclusive, universally accessible experience for all”.
Alongside accessibility, wellbeing is another priority. As mentioned, Wellbeing and NHS GP services will be available on the new West Slope development. “Once teams have relocated to the new Health and Wellbeing Centre, the current Health Centre will close and will be demolished, and the land incorporated into the West Slope development.” The layout of this new centre includes a ground floor as a “shared space used by both the University and NHS GP services” with each department having a “dedicated floor that includes waiting areas, consultation rooms and offices”. Ultimately, “we hope to grow and improve student support, ensuring students can access the support they need to thrive throughout their studies”.
Matt confirmed that “West Slope is being delivered by Balfour Beatty, a construction contractor with industry-leading expertise in safety, noise, and environmental management.” Furthermore, “all contractors working with the University are briefed on campus safety, behavioural expectations, and have set working hours. If anyone has any concerns about construction, they can email bettercampus@sussex.ac.uk for further support.”
Construction started in 2024, with completion of the project aimed for 2028.
